Carlo Ancelotti believes it is ‘important’ Marcel Brands is offered a new deal by Everton.
Brands’ contract as Goodison Park’s director of football will expire at the end of this season, having succeeded Steve Walsh in the role in summer 2018.
Interest in the Dutchman, who joined from PSV Eindhoven, appears to be growing with Manchester United reportedly considering an approach for him.
However Ancelotti offered a ringing endorsement of Brands on Friday afternoon, insisting that the Blues should do all they can to retain him.
He said: “I have a good relationship with him but apart from this is a friendship.
“I think he’s doing a fantastic job. He is here in the club more than me.
“I found the club really well organised and a really important scouting department.
“So I think it would be important for him to continue and find a deal with the club.”